Holliston stabbing victim was 'fun-loving kid'

HOLLISTON - The 21-year-old Holliston man who police say was stabbed to death by a Milford man is being remembered by his family and friends as a loving, outgoing and caring person.

Tim Commerford will be laid to rest Friday. Visiting hours at the Chesmore Funeral Home in Holliston were held Thursday, where dozens of mourners were filing in as visiting hours began at 4 p.m.

One close friend who declined to give his name described Commerford as "an energetic, fun-loving kid.”

“He didn’t have a mean bone in his body,” said the friend, over the phone.

Commerford, said his friend, loved the outdoors, animals and being around his friends and family.

According to authorities, Commerford was stabbed in the chest by Jeremy Robin, 19, of 19 Green St., in Milford on Sunday. Robin claims he was approached by Commerford and another man, Richard Garcia, 54, of Milford outside of his home.

Robin was held on $100,000 bail at his arraignment and claims he wrestled away a knife from Commerford and then used it to defend himself, his mother and girlfriend against the two men.

Robin’s lawyer would not say how the two men know each other, but according to police, Robin said Commerford accused him of robbing him a year ago.

Commerford did have a police record for mostly minor infractions, but family and friends had commented that he had turned his life around recently before it ended so quickly Sunday.

According to his obituary, Commerford was an avid glassblower and “created beautiful decorative, jewelry, and functional pieces that he sold at art shows and to friends.”

A Facebook page displaying his art has not been updated since 2012, but a local Holliston media outlet published a story about his glassblowing business that he ran out of his basement.

When asked for comment Thursday, Commerford’s family declined. In a statement through an attorney, the family thanked the Holliston community, friends and family “for the outpouring of support as they navigate this difficult time.”

In the statement, the family describes Commerford as “vivacious and fearless,” He had “turned his life around” in the past nine months, working full time and enjoying time with family and friends, the statement said.

“He loved animals and was artistic and had a very sharp mind, quick wit and wonderful sense of humor,” the statement said. “The family is cooperating with the criminal investigation.”

Zachary Comeau can be reached at 508-634-7556 and zcomeau@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @ZComeau_MDN.